Surrounded Islands

No—Surrounded Islands was a temporary two-week installation in May 1983, after which all materials were removed and recycled. The pink fabric was on view for only 14 days. Today the islands in Biscayne Bay look as they did before the project, though it is extensively documented through photographs, drawings, and films held by the Christo and Jeanne-Claude estate.

The artists encircled 11 islands in Biscayne Bay, Greater Miami, with approximately 6.5 million square feet of floating pink woven polypropylene fabric. The fabric was attached to the surrounding shallow water by anchoring systems and extended outward from each island's shoreline. The total cost of the project was funded entirely by Christo and Jeanne-Claude through the sale of preparatory drawings and studies.

As with all of Christo and Jeanne-Claude's projects, Surrounded Islands was entirely self-funded through the sale of Christo's preparatory drawings, collages, scale models, and lithographs. No public funds or corporate sponsorships were used. This self-financing model was central to their artistic independence and applied to every project from Wrapped Reichstag to The Gates in Central Park.

The installation was completed and on view for two weeks in May 1983. Planning and environmental review with agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Dade County government took several years beforehand. The project involved extensive environmental studies to ensure no harm to the marine ecosystem of Biscayne Bay.